November 15, 2007

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Trauma prevention specialists from UC Davis Children's Hospital will conduct bike helmet fittings and safety checks during the grand opening of the new Kohl's store in Elk Grove on Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 8810 Calvine Road in Elk Grove. For directions, visit www.kohls.com  and click on “store locator,” or call (916) 681-7660.

Kids can bring their current helmets and learn how to wear them properly while bicycling, rollerblading and skateboarding to reduce their risks of head and other injuries. The team will also announce a donation from the Kohl's Cares for Kids program for $163,400, part of ongoing support by the company for UC Davis trauma prevention activities, including a health and safety public service announcement campaign targeting “tweens” currently airing on Radio Disney.

“Bicycling, rollerblading and skate boarding are popular and fun ways for kids to get their important daily exercise,” said Roxanne Woods, a registered nurse and coordinator of the UC Davis Trauma Prevention and Outreach Program. “However, falls during these activities are common reasons for trips to the emergency department. Too frequently, those accidents are made worse by poorly fitting -- or even the non-use of -- safety helmets. We can show kids how to securely wear a helmet and let them know if their current one meets safety standards.”

The team will also display post-accident helmets to show the amount of damage caused by the impact of a typical fall and a model showing the flexibility of the brain and how easy it is to sustain a head injury during an accident. Kids can spin the “safety wheel” and test their knowledge of common safety issues. Radio Disney will also be on site with music, games and prizes.

UC Davis Children's Hospital (www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/children) is the region's only comprehensive hospital for children. From primary care offices to specialty-care clinics, pediatric experts provide compassionate care to more than 100,000 children each year. The Trauma Prevention and Outreach Program focuses on reducing visits to the hospital or doctor's office for unintentional injuries. Its comprehensive outreach efforts encourage child car seat safety, helmet safety and sober driving. For more information about Kohl's Cares for Kids, visit http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/Community01.htm.